Helping hand with your money in East Sussex

East Sussex Credit Union (ESCU) has confirmed introduction of a free budgeting and money management advice service for the hard-pressed residents of Lewes District.

Sponsored by Lewes District Council, ESCU is providing a programme of simple, down-to-earth, local financial workshops across the district.

The new ESCU workshops are specifically designed to help educate people to manage their finances better and where required to promote access to an ethical lender, able to provide cost effective credit and savings solutions.

This avoids the need for residents to approach payday loan companies or doorstep lenders who can charge extortionate rates of interest and impose very restrictive terms and conditions.

ESCU spokesperson Nikki Plummer said: “There is a pressing need for this sort of help and advice service, especially given impending changes to the benefits system.

The financial situation for many residents has continued to deteriorate over the last year with disposable income falling and contributing to ‘in work poverty’.

Commenting on the new service, cllr Tony Nicholson, lead member for housing management, said: ”We live in challenging times and people may need help to find their way. The new Money Management Service is designed to provide that help and therefore I applaud its introduction. We will carefully monitor its progress.”

The new ESCU money management/budgeting service will is offered free of charge to Lewes District residents. For more information, or to book a place, ESCU by email at info@eastsussexcu.org.uk or by telephone on 01273 234858.